Saturday, October 20, 2012

Apple Cider Vinegar

A personal goal of mine was to let my hair grow out long. If I want long hair I wanted it to be healthy and thick. Since my hair is sooo thick build up accumulates on my scalp. When your folicles are clogged, it is harder for the hair to grow, and grow healthy. After doing some research, I found out that apple cider vinegar is a great and inexpensive hair treatment that de clogs the follicles. Two saturdays ago my mother and I went to a natural store, in search for some. 

Here is the recipe:

Ingredients:
1/2 cup of apple cider vinegar- $5.00
1/2 cup of water

Directions:
After washing your hair, mix ACV. Pour it on your head and massage into the hair and scalp with your fingers. Rinse with warm water to remove. 1 to 2 times a week.

Warning:
ACV really stinks! I mean really! So I would advise for you to just let it air dry before braiding it. You don't necessarily need to put 1/2 vinegar 1/2 water it just has to have that same ratio. After a month of detoxing  every Saturday, I will then do it just once a month. 


Friday, October 19, 2012

Count Your Blessings

My parents house hunting, as my little sister calls it:)

Receiving new products.

Yummy banana shakes...

As a reviewer to many different companies, I have gotten used to doing many reviews. It was so fun to have my little sister review a book for me. For a seven year old she has such a cute extensive vocabulary. 

After my dad transfers my little sister from my parents room to ours, she in her sleep said to my dad 
"Daddy don't make us cry." That had me laughing.

Taking a drivers test online after reading through some of the information, got an 83%, only 4 wrong! Can't wait till I turn 16!

Today we had a family movie night. We had a yummy dinner of pizza and french fries.

Getting ready to deep clean and stage our house.

Looking at my mothers lovely pictures saved to the computer. She truly is a photographer in the making!

Sunsets 

Wouldn't this make such a cute happy holidays card!

Book Review- Prize of My heart

After reading the back of the book, I was prepared for a very mysterious, and romantic read. The first few pages of this book were difficult to get into, but after reading more the author drew me in. 

I enjoyed the characters immensely. They varied greatly from nurturing Lorena, to mischievous Drew, and rugged but loving Brogan. They quickly changed from just names on a page, to actual people you cared about. You laughed with them, could feel the hurt they experienced, and the the joys they encountered. I enjoyed the time at sea, learning different things from how to steer a ship, the different terminology, and even the dangers of storms.  Prize of My Heart was a very emotionally bound book. Its main theme was about God's love overcoming deceit which was beuatifully portrayed more than once throughout the story.

 Prize of My Heart was a roller coaster of pleasant surprises.  Some things caught you off guard completely and others were subtly mixed in. I thoroughly enjoyed this heart stirring, soul searching, intruiging book. The author ended the book just right cutting off all loose ends. Wish this was a series so I continue to see the growth and development of the characters. I give Prize of My Heart a 5 out of 5.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for an honest review. In no way has this influenced my opinion on the book or on the author.

Wednesday, October 17, 2012

Fall: Fashion

Fall is here! Though it seems that the leaves have not really gotten the memo, the weather sure did. With fall comes the bringing out the long sleeve shirts, sweaters, leggings, and boots. Just because we have to bundle and layer up does not mean we have to dress frumpyish. We can layer in style, while still being warm. Here are some must have fall items.

1. Boots It is a must getting some good quality boots. So get some really cute boots, that are practical and to your style. I suggest getting a pair of black ones and brown as those are the colors most people wear.

2. Long jean skirts There is something about wearing a long skirt that makes you feel so feminine and girly. Jean skirts and especially long ones are great for fashion and keeping your legs warm, without having to wear leggings (yet). If you know how to mix and match really well, the amount of jean skirts that are necessary are few. It's all about the accessories on top that take the focus off the skirt your wearing.


3. Sweaters/ Cardigans Keeping you warm and stylish.

4. Fall Jacket anyone? This looks so cozy and warm. Best colors to buy are the brightest. One of my fall jackets is red! My mother has one that's bright green, they look cuter in bolder colors, trust me!
5. Scarves help prevent coughs and sniffles:) 

6. Hats and Head wraps...

7. Leggings, leg-warmers, and tights

This became my fashion blog post/ pin board. Well you get the point, dress modestly, according to the weather, and stylish...

*All pictures from Pinterest*

Friday, October 12, 2012

Count Your Blessings


Another wonderful fall week has come and gone! The Lord is good.

Monday was a fun day indeed. It was my mother's birthday. My family and a couple of other homeschool families went to a small farm. We had so much fun!





You know when you have one of those awkward moments, and you wonder what's wrong with me. Someday in this week I sat down on my chair so hard I almost fell backwards, but caught my grip on the desk. That was funny/ scary moment. My mom, sister and I burst out laughing. 

A brother that went earlier this year to D.R. for missions work, came on Wednesday.

Thursday the girls in my family went to a Vera Bradley store. Afterwards we went to this little park in the mall. I was once 5 years old again:)

Vera Bradely printed cookies!


And water bottles

Yum...


Up I go...

Don't forget to stop and count your blessings!

Thursday, October 11, 2012

Book Review- Whispers in the Wind

Lauraine Snelling did a nice job following up on the Wild West Wind series. Though the second book was written about a year later, Whisper in the Wind picked up directly from the previous book. Some things were a bit fuzzy, and hard to remember, but after reading more of the book my mind was refreshed. It was nice to continue ones journey with the mysterious valley, and with Cassie and her sharp shooting skills. 

The first book did not include any romance, action, or suspense, but as I said it was a page turner because you were just waiting for something to happen. This book however, though not a edge of your seat read, was much better. I enjoyed the writing style, it was good paced and easy to read. There was more action, and even a bit of romance included. What is different about Lauraines' writing is that she writes as if you yourself are a partaker in the story. You feel as if you were sitting down to tea with Mavis, tagging along with Chief and Micah, it was not like other writers who make it feel like you are just an onlooker watching an exciting movie. This factor definitely makes up for the things that most readers look for in their books, romance, suspense, and action, to name a few. It is not that this book doesn't have it,  but its not to the same degree as most people use in their story plots. 

I enjoyed Whisper in the Wind and can't wait for the conclusion to the series. Many things are left buried deep in caravan sized holes that I can't wait to dig up. 

I received this book free from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for my honest review.

Wednesday, October 10, 2012

Word-filled Wednesday

If you don't know where you're going any road will get you there -Yogi Berra

This is a quote I have seen often, and have thought about it and realized how much I dislike it. This quote promotes irresponsibility. Why do you not know where you are going? As a child of God we should not tell God what we want to do with our life, but we should not live aimlessly either. We should live everyday with the goal of heaven in mind. 

I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. 
Philippians 3:14
 

If God has revealed his purpose to you, than you should live life with that goal in mind. If God wants you to pursue a teaching career, you should not frivolously live life and waste your time in worthless pursuits, but with that career or ministry in mind. 

However, If God has yet to reveal his plan for your life, than live your life with the goal of winning the prize which God called you heavenward. 

Wether you know the direction God is leading you or not, live your life sold all out for Jesus!

So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.
1 Corinthians 10:31
And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
Colossians 3:17
If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.
1 Peter 4:11

Monday, October 08, 2012

Fall: Fun!

The crisp weather, colorful sweaters, and yummy spice filled treats (cinnamon especially), are the exact thoughts of Fall. Fall is a beautiful season where the world begins to change, the leaves change color and the weather transitions from hot to cold. Fall is a season to enjoy before the winter comes and keeps us inside.

To make the most of the last semi warm days, plan fun outdoor activities with your family. Some very good things to do in Fall are: Pumpkin picking and apple picking. After you've picked your "harvest" you can choose a yummy recipe to make it with! My family and I went to a farm and enjoyed our time looking at the animals, a hayride, and pumpkin picking in the end. I even got to sharpen my photography practice.

Pumpkin Picking:
Pumpkin party!

Baby pumpkin for baby hands




Um... So I got a pumpkin... and its orange...

Embrace the weather, and pick pumpkins!

Friday, October 05, 2012

Count Your Blessings

Ok I know I haven't done one of these in a while, but thought I would restart these for the month of October. So here we go...

On Monday, Daddy tucked me in. The dialogue goes something like this. "Daddy tuck me in." My dad comes over grabs my big and thick blanket and awkwardly positions it on me. "Daddy that's sloppy." Then my dad re-tucks me by stuffing the blankets around me and swaddling me up so snuggly. Much to my surprise he even remembers to tuck the blanket under my feet:) Oh, how I love my Dad! 

Tuesday Kianna accompanied me to the post office to do an errand. It was raining and we were sharing a tiny umbrella, but it was fun to go by ourselves and have a nice time to ourselves. We had our first_____ and ______ moment, that's for Kianna to fill:)

I also got a comment on my blog from a dear sister from D.R. That was so special to hear from her!

I am so happy that I am almost caught up with all my book reviews. I only have three to review, and one that I have to read and review(which I've been dreading:( 

Eating so many sweets, like cheesecake:)

For the beautiful changing weather. 


Book Review- You Don't Know Me

Annalise has been in the witness security program for 20 years. Twenty years ago she left everything she knew and everyone she loves. For twenty years she has built the picture perfect family. Being the perfect soccer mom with homemade cookies and soon to be mayors wife, Annalise is far from the troubled teen she was. Know one, not even her husband knows that her testimony put a dangerous criminal behind bars. When her agent comes to town, Annalises' haunting past comes back to catch her. 

You Don't Know Me is your at the edge of your seat, suspense filled, comedy, and romance novel all in one. Susan May Warren complied a very emotionally drawn plot, that either had you crying or laughing. 

The Decker family was so realistic, from the mayoral campaigns, to the homemade dishes, even the volleyball games, it was a joy to journey with them through this wonderful story. I loved the family feel of the book. Each person adds to the web of deception, and intrigue on the readers part. 

Though waiting for the moment of confrontation, you are grieved at all Annalise has gone through in the past 20 years and week. You want everything bad to leave, but at the same time can't wait to fight the bad guys:) If the plot didn't sell you or the characters, then definitely the spiritual lessons. Susan actually had me crying at one point. How she used a sermon to convict/ reveal His love to Annalise was truly beautiful. Throughout the book we see many different forms of deceit and their different consequences. Though Annalises' lie was the main focus, I liked how how the author did not weigh her down and portray her as this big liar. By adding other characters with similar deception situations, created an equally balanced and spiritually building read.



Enter Today - 10/2-10/23!
 You Don't Know Me by Susan May Warren Giveaway

Wednesday, October 03, 2012

Book Review- Queen of the Waves

About the book: 

When pampered Jacqueline Abington secretly elopes with the family gardener, she asks another woman to take her place on the much anticipated maiden voyage of the Titanic. Tessa Bowen hails from a poor corner of London but has been granted the opportunity of a lifetime—a ticket to sail to America aboard a famed vessel. But there’s a catch: she must assume Jacqueline’s identity. For the first time in her life, Tessa stays in luxurious quarters, dresses in elegant gowns, and dines with prestigious people. Then a wealthy American man takes an interest in her, and Tessa struggles to keep up the ruse as she begins falling for him. When tragedy strikes, the game is up, and two women’s lives are forever changed.

My Review:

After 100 years we are still captivated by the Titanic, so much has been uncovered yet still so much is left hidden. The author took the many unknown facts about Titanic and made a gripping story of the power of love, forgiveness, mercy, and new beginnings. Though many books have been written about the subjectJanice was able to make Queen of the Waves unique.

When a pig farmer and aristocrat switch lives you know nothing good is going to come out of that, or will there? Janice has a way of keeping you very much in suspense. The continuos descriptions of the magnificent ship, allowed one to feel as if you themselves are aboard the floating palace. You could very well picture the grand stair case and the glass domed ceiling "looking like a pinch from a falling star, equal in brightness and beauty."The different dresses, hats, varying in style, color, and material were very well imaginable. Even the food could be pictured, the oxtails, oysters and the well cooked beef. Leaving you hungry for food and more of the book.

Though the Titanic, is a favorite era of mine, that is not what solely made this book great. Not even the the well described scenes, people, or happenings made this book stand apart. The focus on the redemption that Christ offers was made this book from just another Titanic story to a great read. Janice wrote with such conviction. Not like most books, Queen of the Waves did not have just one spiritual message but several that the reader could glean from. Feeding you spiritually, historically intellectually and making you laugh out loud, Queen of the Waves is a must read, getting 5 out of 5 stars. 

I received this book for free, from Litfuse, in exchange for this honest review. 

Meet Janice:

Award-winning author Janice Thompson, who also writes under the name Janice Hanna, has published nearly eighty books for the Christian market, crossing genre lines to write cozy mysteries, historicals, romances, nonfiction books, devotionals, children’s books and more.

She formerly served as vice president of the Christian Authors Network and was named the 2008 Mentor of the Year by the American Christian Fiction Writers.
Thompson lives in Spring, Texas, near her four grown daughters and young grandchildren. She leads a rich life with her family, a host of writing friends and two mischievous dachshunds.

Readers can keep up with Janice Thompson by visiting janiceathompson.com, becoming a fan on Facebook or following her Twitter.

Find out more about Janice at http://janicethompson.com.

Monday, October 01, 2012

October

For the month of September I have done a poor job of being a consistent blogger. With the help of the Lord and my blog calendar, I hope to be more faithful. For the month of October, I also plan to be more structured. Some posts I have planned to do include fall: fashion, books, photography, of course book reviews, wordful Wednesdays, count your blessings and more! With God's help I will be able to conquer and do everything in He has planned for me to do. 

Have any suggestions how to overcome writers block?

Want to do a guest post on my blog or vice versa? Email me with specifics:) 



"Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower." -Albert Camus


"Autumn is the mellower season, and what we lose in flowers we more than gain in fruits."-Samuel Butler


"In the entire circle of the year there are no days so delightful as those of a fine October, when the trees are bare to the mild heavens, and the red leaves bestrew the road, and you can feel the breath of winter, morning and evening -- no days so calm, so tenderly solemn, and with such a reverent meekness in the air." -Alexander Smith

"Autumn mornings: sunshine and crisp air, birds and calmness, year's end and day's beginnings." -Terri Guillemets


"Listen! The wind is rising, and the air is wild with leaves. We have had our summer evenings: now for October eves!" - Humbert Wolfe


All pictures from Pinterest!